Immigration rescues 2 mothers headed to Niger- bound for NAPTIP in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has transferred two mothers suspected of being victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Mrs. Rabi Bashir-Nuhu, the Comptroller of the NIS in the state, made this disclosure to reporters in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Bashir-Nuhu explained that the victims, originally from Edo State, were apprehended in Kebbi while en route to Niger via Kebbi. They were intercepted by immigration border personnel in the Yauri Local Government Area of the state.

“The victims, who are mothers aged 31 each, have children; one has one child, and the other has three children.

“They have left their children at home as they were promised domestic jobs in Niger Republic and have no travelling documents – no visa and no passport.

“We have to apply Pact 10 and 11 of Immigration Act 2015, to intercept them and hand them over to NAPTIP,” she said.

The comptroller reassured that the NIS would not allow any suspicious character or person profiting from human trafficking to escape the service drag-net.

The victims, in their confession, confirmed that they were going to the Niger Republic, following their sisters’ invitation, who claimed to have secured a job for them.

“I have one boy and two daughters and I am taking this step for myself so as to have a better life for myself and my children,” one of the victims said.

Upon receiving the victims, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku, the Head of Operation of NAPTIP in the state, pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

“We thank the NIS for facilitating our work, and we will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter, including the victims’ initial destination, the individuals involved in their transportation, and their journey to Niger.

“We are going to rehabilitate and counsel the victims and ensure that they are united with their children,” he said.

Atiku commended the NIS for its collaboration with the agency in the fight against human trafficking in the country.